For years, she applied her talents to music and orchestra, but this year, she is focusing on market rabbits at her first fair showing.

"I am extremely excited. None of my family has ever been involved in FFA," said Hartman, 15.

More Information

Want to go?

What: 36th Annual Harris County Fair

Where: Houston Farm and Ranch Club, 1 Abercrombie Drive

When: Through Saturday Oct. 12

Information: For details on the fair, Go Tejano Night, bullriding and other events, schedules, and costs, go to www.hcfair.com/index.htm

"It's a nice change to do other things because I have been more of the musical kid since elementary school."

Hartman, who is familiar with a number of instruments, including piano, oboe and alto saxophone, said that while music remains her first love, agriculture is now a bigger part of her life.

While some are new to agriculture, some have been at it for a long time.

Leadership skills

Klein Oak junior Darien Herzog, 17, has been in FFA for three years and plans to show rabbits and a heifer at the fair.

While the shows are a big part of FFA, Herzog said it was the opportunities FFA gives students in the organization and the community.

"My favorite thing is the leadership opportunities that we have through different events … leadership development events and career development events, and the different leadership competitions we have throughout the year," she said.

"Being in FFA allows you to learn time management because you have such a busy schedule."

Herzog is not only encouraged through the FFA program, but also by her mother, who was in Klein Oak FFA when she was a student there.